Parliament on Friday passed a Bill which would enable those desiring to set up minority educational institutions to get early clearance from states as also affiliation to universities.

Replying to a debate on the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (Amendment) Bill, Minister of State for Human Resource Development M A A Fatmi said that the state would give No Objection Certificate within 90 days of application to anybody wishing to set up such an institution, or notify a reason for refusal.

If no reason is given, it would construed as grant of NoC from the state, the minister said adding in case of refusal the party can approach the Commission which would in turn take a decision in consultation with the state.

The amended bill envisages giving the right to Minority Educational Institutions to seek affiliation to any university of their choice subject to rules, ordinances and acts of these universities.

Till now the minority institutions could get affiliated to only six universities in the country. Speaking on the Bill, K Swain (BJP) raised the issue of definition of minority and sought to dispel the impression that BJP was against Muslims noting that the name of current President of India, who happens to be from minority, was recommended by the previous NDA government led by BJP.